The DataCol Group was originally established in 1999 by Grant Thomson (Executive Chairman and Founder) and has grown from an entrepreneurial organization to what is now a portfolio of different businesses.

Grant recognized early on that to turn his vision into a reality he needed a high performing team around him, strong shareholder backing and the right partners. In [2003] Allan Hubbard, owner of South Canterbury Finance, stepped in as a shareholder and has provided the backing to achieve Grant Thomson's vision. In 1999 the first venture, DataCol NZ Ltd was launched - a meter reading contract services company. A number of meter reading contracts were secured with several large energy distribution companies. A new technology development venture was also created, birthing Seven-X, a mobile software solution for data collection and managing people in the field. There are a number of new ventures that have been launched in the Group.

The objective for the DataCol Group is to build, develop and invest in each portfolio company so they become market leaders. There is a need to balance entrepreneurial flair and commercial discipline - the former fuels growth and the latter is required as size is achieved. It is important to have a team that understands this in a local and international context. Each member of the Senior team has extensive local and international experience.

The DataCol Group is continually seeking better ways of doing things, never content with standing still, never accepting mediocrity and is always looking for new business opportunities.

Each portfolio company has its own focused management team that is committed to achieving growth plans. The Group likes to work with strategic partners in each portfolio company, those who are of like mind and can add value.

DataCol Investments Ltd, the parent company, provides the strategic, commercial and financial capability for the Group. DataCol Investments aims to hold meaningful shareholder positions in each portfolio company. The philosophy behind how the DataCol Investments Senior team operates is simple, "we provide the backing and support for good people who have the integrity, expertise, motivation and energy to make things happen - unlocking value is an important part of how we operate". Grant Thomson is a pioneer of the culture which is built on a "can do and winners edge attitude; people are our most valuable asset".

Jason K Rogers is the Group's Managing Director and he is charged with continuing to build each portfolio company and to oversee the launch of new ventures as part of the Group's expansion.

The DataCol story is captivating and is built on basic principles of trusted people, trusted partners and trusted business. In 2002, 2003 and 2004 the company featured in the Deloittes / Unlimited Fast50 competition in New Zealand. DataCol also featured in the 2003 Asia Pacific Technology Fast 500.